Scripture to Read: John 11:47–57
According to John 11:46, those Jews who went and reported how Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead caused the chief priests and the Pharisees to convene a council on what to do. All these men were worried about was that the Roman government would take over if more people kept following Jesus. All those men cared about was their political and religious power and positions. But then Caiaphas, the high priest, was used by God to prophesy what must happen to Jesus. Caiaphas said in John 11:50, “it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” Caiaphas had no clue that God used him to speak a prophecy, for we read in John 11:51–52, Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit had predestined the crucifixion of God the Son so that all of humanity could be set free from the power and penalty of sin and overcome death. The religious leaders were tools in the hands of the spiritual forces of wickedness. Therefore, they set out their plan to kill Jesus and sought Him diligently so they could seize Him. Jesus went to Ephraim for a time since the time of His death had not yet come.
Challenge & Application
• What did God show you about His perfect will being carried out even when it might not make sense to us?
• How have you seen God’s plan in your life so far, and how has your faith been strengthened through the tests you’ve faced?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!